iiO – Reconstruction Time: The Best of iiO Remixed
Made Records (5/22/07)
Electronic / Trance
There used to be a time, not so long ago, when clubs used to play the latest electronic dance music offerings, as opposed to the latest crappy crunk rap radio hits. Dance artists made music specifically for clubs, and rarely was the majority of the material available on the radio except the few rogue stations that dared to work outside the box. Less than a decade ago, such tracks were cropping up at the rate of No Limit releases circa 1998 (or, Mexican children—whichever works better for you). Yes, compared to their predecessors (see classic house, garage, classic trance, etc.) these dance tracks were watered down and weak, but they still got everyone moving, and that was ultimately the goal.
One such song was “Rapture”, which New York-based iiO released in 2001. With a catchy beat and sultry vocals, it was an instant smash, and Made Records is still waiting for a hit comparable to that. Ergo, they recently decided to try and remix some of iiO’s catalog and release it as a stand alone album. The result is a fairly decent album that should’ve been an EP instead.
The remix of “Rapture” is rather bland, while “Is It Love? (Major Key Rmx)” is pretty good, but is essentially Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head Redux”. The Martin Accorsi remix of “Be It” is droning and terrible, while Major Key again does a good job on “At the End”. F. Bailey (I assume not F. Lee Bailey, though that would be mildly amusing) drops in for a few decent tribal mixes reminiscent of Club 69, one of which, “Kiss You”, is pretty damn good. The megamix of the seven previous tracks and two “BONUS Hidden” tracks (isn’t it only hidden if you don’t mention it?) create a logjam at the end, and they could have been left out. The megamix could have been featured on a separate disc, but it comes off as tedious after hearing only seven other tracks. The two “BONUS” tracks are downtempo, and don’t really mesh well with the res of the content, though they should have just credited them like normal tracks. It’s not like there’s going to be another pressing of the album without them.
And seeing as “Rapture” was such a big hit, it wouldn’t have hurt to throw in another remix or two of that one (I wouldn’t liked to see what Major Key would have done with it, or maybe some sort of disco house remix to get the gay guys really excited (admit it, Made Records, with a cover like that, you’re not fooling anyone), and maybe the obligatory ten-minute trance remix just for shits and giggles), along with another mix of “Is It Love?”, which is probably their strongest work since.
It’s not iiO’s fault, but despite some strong tracks, and the fact that this album should have been compiled better, it leaves a bad taste in this reviewer’s mouth. They should have credited the remixers (they are mentioned nowhere on the back of the case) and brought in a big name or two to add some star power. I’m sure Little Louie Vega wasn’t doing anything at the time (except maybe eating some beans and rice in Miami) and he would’ve absolutely torn it up. Buy this album if you still dig the epic trance thing, as you’ll be rewarded with some decent tracks, but I’d discourage paying more than eight bucks for this album. You have been warned.
Rating:
